가지마오

1. 본문

"가지마오" (gajimao) is a Korean phrase that translates to "don't go" in English. It is a combination of the verb "가다" (gada), meaning "to go," and the negative command suffix "-지마" (-jima), which turns the verb into a prohibition, meaning "don't." The "오" (o) at the end adds a nuance of pleading or emphasis.

Here's a breakdown:

• 가다 (gada): The base verb, meaning "to go."
• -지마 (-jima): A verb ending used to negate an action, essentially meaning "don't."
• 오 (o): adds emotional emphasis.

The phrase is often used in Korean dramas, songs, and everyday conversation to express the speaker's desire for someone not to leave. It appears in the title and lyrics of a song from the Chosun Dynasty, in the phrase "님아 님아 물을 건너가지 마오" "nima nima muleul geonneogaji mao" meaning "My love, my love, don't cross the water".